A magnetic resonance imaging system adaptively and dynamically adjusts color and brightness of illuminators mounted on the inside of a bore in response to a scan sequence used for magnetic resonance imaging or the state of a patient in order to relieve discomfort during magnetic resonance imaging. An illuminator control unit selects and determines optical characteristics of the illuminators in response to a scan sequence or the state of a patient.
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1. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus comprising: a magnet assembly having a bore for accommodating a patient; a main control unit for controlling operation of the magnet assembly during performance of an MRI procedure; illuminators installed on the inside of the bore; a storage unit for storing a database of information regarding illumination colors associated with corresponding different scan sequences usable during the MRI procedure, with each scan sequence corresponding to: (i) an illumination color associated with a human recognition time which is correlated with a length of imaging time of that scan sequence; or (ii) an illumination color associated with a stability value which is correlated with movement sensitivity for that scan sequence, or a combination thereof; and an illuminator control unit that receives information from the main control unit regarding a scan sequence to be used during the MRI procedure, determines an output illumination color corresponding to the scan sequence to be used from the database of information in the storage unit, and controls optical characteristics of the illuminators to generate the output illumination color during the MRI procedure.
An MRI machine aims to make patients more comfortable by automatically adjusting the lights inside the bore (the tube the patient lies in). The system has lights inside the bore, a computer that controls the MRI scans, and a memory that stores a table. This table links different MRI scan types to specific light colors. The chosen color is based on either how long the scan takes (human recognition time), how sensitive the scan is to movement (stability value), or a combination of both. When a scan is selected, the system looks up the corresponding color in the table and sets the bore lights to that color during the scan.
2. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the database of information includes, for a particular scan sequence of the different scan sequences, at least an illumination color associated with the human recognition time which is correlated with the length of imaging time of the particular scan sequence.
Building upon the MRI machine with adjustable lighting linked to scan sequences, the light color is chosen based on how long the specific MRI scan takes. The database contains, for each scan, a light color designed to be easily recognizable, where the recognition time is related to the duration of the scan. For example, a long scan might use a color that helps the patient feel more aware and less anxious about the prolonged duration.
3. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the database of information includes, for a particular scan sequence of the different scan sequences, at least an illumination color associated with a stability value which is correlated with movement sensitivity for the particular scan sequence, for providing stability to the patient.
Building upon the MRI machine with adjustable lighting linked to scan sequences, the light color is chosen based on how sensitive to movement the specific MRI scan is. The database contains, for each scan, a light color to promote patient stability, where the stability value is correlated with how much patient movement affects the scan quality. For example, a movement-sensitive scan might use a calming color to help the patient stay still.
4. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the storage unit further stores information regarding optical characteristics of the illuminators corresponding to scan sequences, wherein the illuminator control unit controls the optical characteristics of the illuminators using the information regarding optical characteristics stored in the storage unit.
Expanding the MRI machine with scan-linked lighting, the stored database includes specific optical characteristics (beyond just color) for the lights, such as brightness or hue. The illuminator control unit uses this detailed information, in addition to the color, to control the lights. This allows for finer adjustments tailored to each scan, using the full capabilities of the lights to improve patient comfort or reduce anxiety.
5. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus comprising a magnet assembly and a bore for accommodating a patient, comprising: a photographing unit configured for acquiring an image of a patient in the bore, and installed on the outside of the bore; an illuminator unit installed on the inside of the bore; and an illuminator control unit determining a state of the patient including at least one of an eye pupil state of the patient, a facial expression of the patient, gaze direction of the patient, and a movement of the patient, by analyzing the image acquired by the photographing unit, and controlling optical characteristics of illuminators comprised in the illuminator unit to set an illumination color or brightness during an MRI procedure that provides stability, reduces discomfort, or awakens the patient, in accordance with the determined state of the patient.
This MRI machine uses a camera to watch the patient inside the bore and adjust the bore lights accordingly. A camera outside the bore captures images of the patient. The system analyzes these images to determine the patient's state, looking at things like their pupils, facial expressions, gaze, and movements. Based on this analysis, the system adjusts the color or brightness of the bore lights to provide stability, reduce discomfort, or even wake the patient up if needed.
6. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the image of the patient is a moving image or a still image photographed at a designated time interval.
Regarding the MRI machine that uses a camera to monitor the patient and adjust bore lights, the camera can record video (moving image) or take still photos at set time intervals. This allows the system to continuously monitor the patient's condition or check in periodically to assess their state and adjust the lighting as necessary.
7. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the photographing unit includes a wide viewing angle camera, and photographs a top view image of an inside of the bore.
In the MRI machine with a patient-monitoring camera, the camera is a wide-angle camera that captures a top-down view of the inside of the bore. This wide view allows the system to see most or all of the patient, enabling it to better track their movements, facial expressions, and other indicators of their comfort or anxiety.
8. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the illuminator control unit determines whether or not the patient moves by analyzing the acquired images.
Continuing with the MRI machine that uses a camera, the system uses the camera images (moving or still) to determine if the patient is moving. By analyzing changes in the images over time, the system can detect even slight movements that might indicate discomfort or anxiety.
9. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the illuminator control unit adjusts the color of the illuminators to a color supporting patient stability, upon determining that the patient moves.
If the MRI system detects patient movement using the camera, it adjusts the bore lights to a color known to promote patient stability. This attempts to calm the patient and reduce further movement, helping to improve the scan quality and reduce anxiety.
10. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the illuminator control unit varies the color of the illuminators according to degrees of movement of the patient.
In the MRI machine with movement-sensitive lighting, the system doesn't just detect movement; it also varies the light color based on the *degree* of movement. Small movements might trigger a subtle color change, while larger or more frequent movements might trigger a more significant change.
11. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 10 , further comprising a storage unit that stores data associating colors of the illuminators with corresponding degrees of movement of the patient, wherein the illuminator control unit controls the color of the illuminators using the data stored in the storage unit.
Expanding on the movement-sensitive lighting system, there's a memory unit that stores a table linking specific light colors to different levels of patient movement. The light control system uses this table to determine the best color to display based on how much the patient is moving.
12. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the illuminator control unit recognizes pupils of the patient from the acquired image.
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus. This invention relates to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems and addresses the need for precise control of illumination within the MRI environment. Specifically, it concerns an apparatus that can automatically adjust illumination based on the patient's visual state. The apparatus includes an illuminator control unit. This unit is configured to receive an image acquired from the patient. Based on this acquired image, the illuminator control unit is capable of identifying and recognizing the patient's pupils. This pupil recognition allows for dynamic adjustment of the illuminator, potentially to optimize patient comfort, reduce artifacts, or facilitate specific imaging protocols by controlling ambient light levels in response to the patient's gaze or pupil dilation.
13. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein the illuminator control unit compares a current pupil size of the patient with a pupil size of the patient at an initial stage of magnetic resonance imaging acquired images.
Building on the pupil-tracking MRI machine, the system compares the patient's current pupil size to their pupil size at the beginning of the MRI scan. This provides a baseline for comparison, allowing the system to detect changes in pupil size that might indicate a change in the patient's condition.
14. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 13 , wherein, if the current pupil size of the patient is greater than the pupil size of the patient at the initial stage of magnetic resonance imaging, the illuminator control unit adjusts the color of the illuminators to a color providing stability to the patient.
If the patient's pupils are larger than they were at the start of the MRI (indicating potential anxiety), the light control system adjusts the bore lights to a color designed to provide stability and calmness. This aims to reduce the patient's anxiety and improve their comfort during the scan.
15. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein, if the pupils of the patient are not recognized as normal from the acquired image, the illuminator control unit adjusts the color of the illuminators to a color representing a short recognition time and increases brightness of the illuminators.
If the pupil detection algorithm fails to recognize the patient's pupils as normal (perhaps due to poor lighting or the patient's eyes being closed), the system switches the bore lights to a color that is quickly recognizable and increases the brightness. This aims to quickly get the patient's attention, potentially waking them up or alerting them to a problem.
16. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the illuminator control unit recognizes a facial expression of the patient from the acquired image.
In the MRI machine using a camera to monitor the patient, the system can analyze the camera images to recognize the patient's facial expression. This allows the system to detect signs of discomfort, pain, or anxiety based on the patient's face.
17. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 16 , wherein the illuminator control unit adjusts the color of the illuminators to a color corresponding to a recognized facial expression of the patient.
Based on the facial expression recognized by the system, the light control adjusts the bore lights to a corresponding color. For example, a frown might trigger a calming color, while a smile might maintain the current lighting.
18. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the illuminator control unit determines the gaze direction of the patient from the acquired image.
Expanding on the MRI machine with patient monitoring, the system can determine where the patient is looking (their gaze direction) by analyzing the camera images. This information can be used to direct lighting or provide other visual cues to the patient.
19. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 18 , wherein the illuminator control unit decreases brightness of illuminators corresponding to the determined gaze direction.
Based on the patient's gaze direction, the system can dim the lights in that specific direction. This might be done to reduce glare or to direct the patient's attention to a specific area within the bore.
20. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 6 , further comprising a color palette comprising a plurality of arranged colors installed on the inside of the bore.
This MRI machine has a physical color palette – an arrangement of different colors – installed inside the bore, within the patient's view.
21. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 20 , wherein the illuminator control unit determines a gaze direction of the patient by analyzing the acquired image, and adjusts the color of the illuminators to a color of the color palette corresponding to the gaze direction of the patient.
Building on the MRI with a color palette inside the bore, the system determines where the patient is looking and then adjusts the bore lights to match the color on the palette that the patient is looking at. This allows the patient to effectively "choose" the lighting color by directing their gaze.
22. The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus according to claim 21 , further comprising a storage unit storing information associating colors of the color palette with corresponding gaze directions of the patient, wherein the illuminator control unit controls the color of the illuminators using the information stored in the storage unit.
There's a table linking each color on the palette to a specific gaze direction. The light control system uses this table to match the bore light color to the palette color the patient is looking at.
23. A control method in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus comprising a magnet assembly, a bore for accommodating a patient including illuminators installed on the inside of the bore, and at least one control unit, the control method performed by the at least one control unit and comprising: determining a scan sequence to be employed in an MRI procedure; determining an output illumination color corresponding to the scan sequence from a database of information stored in a storage unit of the MRI apparatus, wherein the information includes illumination colors associated with corresponding different scan sequences usable during the MRI procedure, with each scan sequence corresponding to: (i) an illumination color associated with human recognition time which is correlated with a length of imaging time of that scan sequence, or (ii) an illumination color associated with a stability value which is correlated with movement sensitivity for that scan sequence, or a combination thereof, and performing the MRI procedure and controlling the illuminators to provide the output illumination color corresponding to the scan sequence during the MRI procedure.
The control method for an MRI machine with adjustable lighting involves first determining which MRI scan is about to be performed. The system then consults a table that links each scan type to a specific light color. The color is chosen based on either the scan's duration (human recognition time) or its sensitivity to patient movement (stability value), or a combination. Finally, the system performs the MRI scan and sets the bore lights to the appropriate color during the scan.
24. The control method according to claim 23 , wherein the database of information includes at least an illuminator color representing a short recognition time associated with a corresponding scan sequence requiring a long time for magnetic resonance imaging.
In the described MRI control method, the table contains at least an illuminator color that is easily recognizable and associated with scans that take a long time. The method uses this color to help the patient perceive that time has passed, alleviating the feeling of a long scan duration.
25. The control method according to claim 24 , wherein the database of information includes at least an illumination color providing stability to a patient associated with a corresponding scan sequence sensitive to movement of the patient.
Further refining the MRI control method, the database includes at least an illumination color that provides stability to the patient, associated with scans sensitive to movement. This color is used to reduce patient anxiety and the likelihood of movement during sensitive scans.
26. A control method in a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprising a magnet assembly and a bore for accommodating a patient including illuminators installed on the inside of the bore, the control method comprising: acquiring, by a camera installed on the outside of the bore, an image of a patient in the bore; determining, by at least one processor, a state of the patient including at least one of an eye pupil state of the patient, a facial expression of the patient, a gaze direction of the patient, and a movement of the patient, by analyzing the acquired image; and controlling, by the at least one processor, optical characteristics of the illuminators to set an illumination color or brightness during an MRI procedure that provides stability, reduces discomfort, or awakens the patient, in accordance with the determined state of the patient.
An MRI control method uses a camera to monitor the patient and adjust the bore lights. A camera outside the bore takes a picture of the patient. The system analyzes the picture to determine the patient's state (pupil size, facial expression, gaze, movement). Based on this, the system adjusts the lights to provide stability, reduce discomfort, or wake the patient up.
27. The control method according to claim 26 , wherein the determination of the state of the patient includes determining whether or not the patient moves.
In the MRI control method using a camera, determining the patient's state includes figuring out if the patient is moving or not.
28. The control method according to claim 27 , wherein the control of the optical characteristics of the illuminators includes adjusting the color of the illuminators to a color providing stability to the patient, upon determining that the patient moves.
If the MRI control method detects the patient moving, it adjusts the bore lights to a color known to provide stability. This aims to calm the patient and reduce further movement.
29. The control method according to claim 26 , wherein the determining of the state of the patient includes determining whether or not pupils of the patient are recognized from the acquired image or whether or not the pupils of the patient are dilated from the acquired image.
Within the MRI control method using a camera, the system determines if the patient's pupils can be seen in the image. It also checks if the pupils are dilated, which can indicate stress or anxiety.
30. The control method according to claim 29 , wherein the control of the optical characteristics of the illuminators includes, if the pupils of the patient are not recognized, adjusting the color of the illuminators to a color representing a short recognition time and increasing brightness of the illuminators.
If the MRI control method can't recognize the patient's pupils in the image, it switches the bore lights to a color known for short recognition time and increases the brightness. This aims to quickly get the patient's attention.
31. The control method according to claim 29 , wherein the control of the optical characteristics of the illuminators includes, if the pupils of the patient are dilated, adjusting the color of the illuminators to a color providing stability to the patient.
If the MRI control method detects that the patient's pupils are dilated, it adjusts the bore lights to a color known for providing stability. This attempts to calm the patient down.
32. The control method according to claim 26 , wherein the determination of the state of the patient includes determining the gaze direction of the patient.
An aspect of the MRI control method involves determining the direction the patient is looking (their gaze direction) from the camera image.
33. The control method according to claim 32 , wherein the control of the optical characteristics of the illuminators includes decreasing brightness of illuminators corresponding to the determined gaze direction.
If the MRI control method determines the patient's gaze direction, it dims the lights in that specific direction. This might be done to reduce glare or to direct the patient's attention elsewhere.
34. The control method according to claim 26 , wherein the determining of the state of the patient includes determining which color a patient is looking at of a plurality of colors arranged on a color palette.
In the MRI control method, the system determines which color on a physical color palette the patient is looking at.
35. The control method according to claim 34 , wherein the control of the optical characteristics of the illuminators includes adjusting the color of the illuminators to the color of the color palette at which a patient gazes.
The MRI control method adjusts the bore lights to match the color on the physical color palette that the patient is currently looking at. This allows the patient to indirectly control the light color.
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August 12, 2013
August 22, 2017
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